I’m planning a trip to Argentina, and as I always do, am checking my flight options. One option–via Havana on an Ilyushin IL-96–has really caught my eye.
Cubana Ilyushin IL-96
Cubana operates a fleet of four IL-96 aircraft. It debuted the aircraft in 2006 and has operated it on flights to Buenos Aires, Paris, and Madrid. In 2017, the aircraft were pulled out of service for heavy maintenance and at least one is back in service.
Cubana flies every Sunday from Havana to Buenos Aires on the IL-96 departing in the morning and arriving in Buenos Aires in the evening.
A paid business class ticket costs 708EUR.
There are very few “Club Tropical” Cubana reviews out there. Wandering Aramean did a report a few years ago, but I haven’t seen once since.
Business class has 2-2-2 seating with recliner seats. We’re talking old school. In fact, I’d be tempted to fly economy class since the seats looks so plush and the legroom is a generous 32″.
Forget wi-fi and power outlets. These IL-96 aircraft don’t even have personal IFE screens. There’s also no overhead bins in the center. That’s an Ilyushin distinctive, but seems like an inefficient use of space.
But Is It Legal?
Tourism is once again banned in Cuba. But visits under the following parameters are permitted:
- Family visits
- Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
- Journalistic activity
- Professional research and professional meetings
- Educational activities
- Religious activities
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
- Support for the Cuban people
- Humanitarian projects
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
- Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing Department of Commerce regulations and guidelines with respect to Cuba or engaged in by U.S.-owned or -controlled foreign firms
Does my blog count as journalism? That’s the argument I’d make if the Treasury Department ever decided to protest my visit.
CONCLUSION
I’m not sure how useful an IL-96 review would be, but I’m open to it…I think it would be an interesting product and airline to review. And perhaps, with all its recent issues, more useful than a review of Avianca.
Would you read a Cubana IL-96 review?
image: Cubana
Oh totally. Plus think of how sexy it’ll look on your Openflights/FlightMemory/etc
Wow, an IL96? Yes, love to hear about the flight if you do take it.
You bet I’d love to read that report. But do you run the risk of a last-minute equipment swap like your last trip to Cuba?
FWIW, I think you have, in tax law lingo, a reasonable basis for calling your trip journalistic activity, but I would thoroughly document your position in case Treasury comes knocking.
I took the same aircraft type in Economy from EZE to CCC, then from CCC to VRA and finally from HAV to EZE on the return back in 2014. No overhead bins on the center. Comfortable seats for my family.
I was wary of the flight itself due to reliability issues of the IL-96 and comments from other travellers.
The initial flight delayed 2 hrs due to a mechanical, the CCC to VRA never happened due to unknown aircraft issues (never arrived from EZE I think) and they took us by bus from Cayo Coco to Varadero (8hrs from hell?).
HAV to EZE without incidents.
It is sure an interesting flight but…
I flew on a Cubana Ilyushin-96 from Havana to Madrid in the spring of 2018. There was no where near 32″ of legroom in economy. It was 24″ at the absolute max. The mini fan in the seat in front of me (their version of an air vent) had a missing knob so I had to claw it to use it. They used a styrofoam box to keep some of the food cold. It was full of mold. One of the flight attendants was extremely rude. I asked if I could sit in one of the three empty rows of seats in the back for a few minutes. He said “NO”! in the angriest tone. If you want to experience what flying on a charter airline to Europe was like in the 60’s-70’s then fly Cubana, or just to experience an il-96, like I did. Otherwise steer clear of this airline!
If it’s a flight you’re comfortable taking, I’d absolutely love to read the report
After reading the safety history of Cubana, as much as I’d love to read the review, I’m not sure it’s the best idea
I’d love to read such a review and it would be especially interesting to see what passes for business class on the carrier.
Given that the sole purpose of the routing would be a review for your blog I think your on solid ground as a journalist here.
I would be more interested in a IL-96 review than a Cubana review. As much as I consider this blog as the BEST in the field, a IL-96 review would be more of what Sam Chiu does. This blog covers the passenger aspect more.
Other than reading such a review because Matthew does a good job writing, I’m not so interested in such review. Given a choice, I’d much prefer a review on:
Atlantic Airways to the Faroe Islands
some transatlantic route, like Lufthansa Vancouver-Frankfurt
some Pacific route, like Singapore Seattle-Singapore
domestic Australia
THERE ARE ONLY 3 OF THOSR PLANES FLYING DUE TO SPARE PARTS.
SO IF YOU TAKE IN CONSIDERATION THEIR TERRIBLE ON TIME , CUSTOMER SERVICE RECORD THEN THERE’S THE SAFETY RECORD ONE OF THE WORST IN THE WORLD.
IF YOU TAKE THE TRIP AND SURVIVE IT MAYBE I WOILD READ IT……..OR NOT
every trip is also supporting the cuban people… ya know, spending money. nobody gets denied for that
lol
I would do it! If only it weren’t for the fact that the last couple of times coming back to the US, I was pulled for secondary screening at the immigration. So much for being relieved to be back home…
That’s an exciting adventure!
Otherwise it will be another same boring story on Avianca, Azul, Aeromexico or Latam.
As a whitewater kayaker my buds and I often stand above a huge rapid to scout. After doing so, and deciding to run it we always say as custom, “What could possibly go wrong?.” That is to say, just do it and worry about the details later.
So, Matthew, do it. Go big! “What could possibly go wrong!?”
Yes please. I would absolutely read it.
Just ignore that tourist ban. We are living in a free world aren’t we so do what you like.
Yes, please. Visiting Cuba was very interesting and worthwhile for me. Take a look at Miramar (where the party lives) vs the rest of town. And also please do some reviews on the restaurants (both local vs tourist). BTW, it’s a great place to diet. You’ll be fasting just waiting for the menu, ordering, receiving the food and paying. While you’re bombarded with propaganda how their troubles are due to the US embargo, take a look at all the fallow farmland in the country side and the Cuban work ethic and wonder why. Be sure to take a look at the basement bar in the Hotel Nacional. Lots of cool pictures of Hollywood celebrities like Stephen Spielberg mugging with Fidel Castro. The regular Cuban people are great. They love to talk (nothing else to do besides drinking and cohabitation) but their Spanish is very rapid fire and takes a bit of time to get used to. Notice how they’re always looking over their shoulders though.
no please don’t, much better to do yet another review of business class in a 777
Do it, why not.
Yes, please review it as most of us are unlikely to get the chance. I used to go on the IL-86 a few times, Beijing-Urumqi on Xinjiang Airlines. It was a slightly scary prospect but soon got used to it.
Yes please!
Yes!!!
First of all, it’s a Russian-built aircraft, don’t expect any luxury features in it even in Business.
Second, it’s a Russian-built aircraft AND maintained by Cubans. I wouldn’t go even near this plane: too risky.
I’d rather go on this plane than a 737 Max. I look forward to your report.
Lol. Same.
I’d love to bang a Cubana Trolley Dolly, bet she’d give you a trip to remember
It Would be an interesting report. I flew it on economy on 2014 from Buenos Aires to Cayo Coco and it was a comfortable experience nevertheless…